FRANKFORT, Ky. (5/16/14) — The Central City Police Department is among 27 law enforcement agencies across the state to be awarded $120,950 in Law Enforcement Protection Program grants, according to a press release from Gov. Steve Beshear's office.

CCPD will receive $6,600 for body armor vests.

LEPP grants are administered by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to give financial help for certain items essential in the course of their duties.

"These grants provide important funds for law enforcement agencies to acquire necessary protective equipment for their officers who endeavor to keep our Commonwealth safe and secure," Beshear said.

In conjunction with the Kentucky State Police, KOHS derives income from sales of confiscated weapons. KSP conducts periodic auctions - only to federally licensed firearms dealers - that generate dollars for the LEPP initiative.

KOHS then assesses needs and, after prioritization, provides available funds for the acquisition of body armor, duty weapons, ammunition, and electronic or muscular disruption technical devices, which are often referred to as Tasers.

"It's gratifying to know we can help in some way to supply law enforcement with some of the tools they need to carry out their important jobs," said Gene Kiser, executive director of KOHS.

LEPP support goes to police agencies of cities, counties, charter counties, unified counties, urban-counties and consolidated local governments, sheriff's departments and public university policedepartments.